An insurance agency located near the point is expected to get permanent signs, but not a lighted sign.

“Staff does not want it illuminated because it is in a residential area,” Planning and Zoning Administrator Lance Schultz said at the City of Delaware’s Planning Commission meeting on July 2.

Forman Insurance Agency at 377 E. William St. made the request as part of an effort to bring the site into zoning compliance. Schultz said the building was constructed in 1960 and was previously a doctor’s office. The current 0.23-acre site, purchased in 2012, has the State Farm agency on the first floor and four occupied apartments on the second floor.

The current signs are in the form of banners and an illuminated cabinet sign on William Street. The agency was seeking an additional lighted sign so it could also be easily seen by customers from Central Avenue and Foley Street. However, it was noted by commission members that the agency maintained regular business hours and that insurance was not an impulse purchase requiring a lighted sign.

It was suggested that the lighted sign be run by a timer, but there were concerns about the timer working correctly after a power outage.

Although the agency has a William Street address, the owners noted the main entrance is along Central.

According to the commission’s conditions, “The building signage on the north elevation (facing Central) shall be non-illuminated channel cut letters mounted directly to the wall that encompasses a maximum of 29 square feet.” That signage would be on the second floor. In addition, “The building signage on the east elevation (facing Foley) shall be a non-illuminated flat wall sign that encompasses a maximum of 4 square feet.”

The conditions also state that building sign on the south elevation (facing William) “shall be a cabinet sign as currently installed.” No other signage would be permitted.

The commission also requested that the building’s existing dumpster be screened by a wooden enclosure and a 6-foot-high fence installed adjacent to the parking lot to buffer the residence to the west.

The matter will next be heard by Delaware City Council.

Gary Budzak may be reached at 740-413-0904 or on Twitter @GaryBudzak.

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